Orlando City SC President Phil Rawlins Elected to USL Hall of Fame
By Phil Naegely
Orlando City SC President and Founder Phil Rawlins was elected to the USL Men’s Hall of Fame on Tuesday. He will be inducted under the builder category. In the Women’s Hall of Fame, Long Island Rough Riders CEO Peter Zaratin will be inducted also as a Builder.
"“I’m proud to be a part of the growth and development of USL PRO,” said Rawlins. “It’s an honor to be inducted into the Hall of Fame as USL PRO was an important part of our Club’s history.”"
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Rawlins has been a main key to Orlando City’s USL PRO success and throughout the team’s transition to Major League Soccer. While many people including myself did not know there was a USL Hall of Fame, Rawlins deserves this honor.
The Hall of Fame has existed since 2002 and there about 100 of the most influential people involved in soccer in North America and includes three categories: builders, coaches, and players. These three categories are defined below courtesy of USL’s website. In 2011 USL decided to divided the Hall of fame into men’s and women’s. This is defined as contributions to either men’s or women’s soccer, not male or female.
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Builders – Honoring the visionaries who have forged and built USL and the sport of soccer in North America
Coaches – Honoring the bench bosses who have worked tirelessly to achieve success year after year
Players – Honoring the players who have excelled on the field at all levels within USL, as well as those who have gone on to achieve national prominence following their USL careers
As per Orlando City SC’s press release, “Rawlins has been influential at the league level by serving as a member of USL PRO’s Board of Governors, helping the league forge forward during the past four years by imparting his insight and knowledge to USL’s new franchises.” He’s been an integral part to the Orlando City franchise and the community as a whole.
Rawlins and Zaratin join a long list of influential soccer members. Full list of men’s hall of fame and women’s hall of fame are linked.
For Rawlins, this is the latest honor for the Orlando City President. In the team’s inaugural MLS season, his previous success and experience in USL and other areas will positively affect the franchise both on and off the field.
Rawlins and Zaratin will be inducted into the USL Hall of Fame on Decemeber 14.
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